Yes, it's that time of year again--passed 7 years of NoS-ing this summer.

I still think it is THE most sustainable, sane, and satisfying way of enjoying good meals through all seasons of life.

For those who want the whole story, here are the links to past testimonials--all those insights still hold true today (including never once making it into the 21-day club. Perfection not required for long-term success!), so I won't repeat.

In my current season, with unexpected (but Lord willing) temporary health issues, I gained 10lbs since the spring of this year. I suspect it was a combo of

1. Going from a 10000 step a day habit to just 3000 on average,
2. Continuing to eat what I "always" ate even though my activity level decreased so much, and
3. Rationalizing a few too many "this extra bite/sweet won't hurt/count" moments.

After casting around for something to add TO NoS, I realized that I really didn't need to--I just needed to double down on No Excuses and take the time to really enjoy the meals I do eat, particularly paying attention to what satisfies rather than "what I've always eaten." I've also been able to start building up my walking endurance which can only help (currently working on 5000/day average). Thus, in the past two months (including vacation!), I've lost 3 of those 10 pounds....

And I must say that I appreciate a thousand times over the hopeful, proactive mindset that NoS engenders. On another forum (not weightloss related, but the topic comes up often enough) the whole tone is one of all the reasons why one *can't* lose weight: "Not my fault", "Carbs to blame", "Hypothroidism keeps me fat", "Too short", "Too old", "Pre-Menopause", "Post-Menopause". Really, it is SOOO depressing to read and sadly few want to hear that habit changes make for real (albeit slow) progress...

However, YOU guys do, so celebrate with me! NoS *does* work for this post-menopausal, short (5'2"), Hashimoto (thyroid)-stricken, recovering from illness woman.

Awesome! Yep, I was one of those ppl who really thought I couldn't lose weight anymore. I started NoS mostly for some sanity. It gave me that but I started to lose weight too. I was like I can't believe I've been so convinced of this all these years.

NoS is such a blessing & you're a huge inspiration so thanks for keeping us up to date. I have no doubt the other 7 lbs will come off in time but either way you're doing fantastic!!

wonderful blog - thank you for taking the time to put all those links in place - this is very, very inspiring. I'm three months in to No S but the whole system totally makes sense to me. Wishing you another great year!_________________I love Everyday Systems :3

Congratulations! Your efforts are truly remarkable... I loved reading through all of your previous posts especially the ones where you discuss the satisfaction factor which is an important topic for me right now.

You are such an inspiration and I will certainly continue to read your posts whenever I need a boost!

Always good to hear from you, Vicki, and congratulations! It's very encouraging, esp. for this post-menopausal 5'2" woman.
I'm making a fresh start, yet again, so it's not only beneficial to hear from the "old-timers" but also those who are new to NoS and the methods they employ.

I have just begun my No S journey and am also 50+, 50+ pounds overweight with Hashimoto's. Sharing your story gives me hope.

So glad that you are encouraged! I always suggest that newcomers read the sticky labeled NoS Catch Phrase Glossary near the top of the General Discussion Forum page which really is full of pithy insights that keep us grounded to the sanity of NoS.... *I* like to reread it on occasion....

And best wishes on your NoS journey. You travel it one day, one meal at a time. _________________Vicki in MNE
7! Yrs. with Vanilla NoS, down 55+lb, happily maintaining and still loving it!

The pointer to the phrases is truly helpful. I particularly like 'If hunger isn't the problem, food is not the solution.' (or something to that effect) I began pretty well mid-March, but the last couple of weeks, I've had to travel to assist with aging parent issues. I have not been been No S-ing. Today is a fresh start, a fresh month. I'm still away from home today, but this phrase will help remind me that NO S-ing is about bodily nourishment, all other eating is not going to relieve any of the stress I'm feeling in the present situation.

YES! Success with NoS is only a meal away..... Glad the Sticky Phrases helped... It is SO important to get the right words into our heads, to combat what I call "diet chatter"..._________________Vicki in MNE
7! Yrs. with Vanilla NoS, down 55+lb, happily maintaining and still loving it!